What is a Freight Forwarder logistics company?

What is a Freight Forwarder logistics company?

Any business enterprise, which is into import or export of international goods, needs to be aware of the rules and norms of international shipping that are applicable between the exporting and importing countries. While this business can be very rewarding financially, any failure to adhere to international shipping laws can land the company with its shipped goods in deep legal hassles and economic losses.

This is where a freight forwarding company or freight forwarder can help in the smooth completion of the entire shipping process. The freight forwarding company is a firm, which specializes in the storage and shipment of goods or merchandise on behalf of the exporting company (or shipper). It undertakes all the processes, paperwork, and regulations that are a part of international shipping, thus removing all the hassles of the logistic details for their customers.

All about the freight forwarder

While a freight forwarder based in any country can help businesses export or import material into or from the country, it is not involved in the actual transportation (by air, train, or ship) of the cargo. The freight forwarder acts as the intermediary between the shipping company and the international transporter involved in cargo shipping or air freight services.

The freight forwarder provides the following benefits to the shipper:

Works out the details of the best shipping route for the shipper’s goods on basis of the delivery speed, reliability, and logistic costs.

Handles all the ancillary aspects of the shipment including the insurance and customs documentation.

Provides warehousing services to shippers.

Exporting into Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy among all the countries in the Middle East and has export and import trade deals with many countries around the world. Any business or freight forwarder who is involved in exporting into Saudi Arabia must be familiar with the Saudi Custom laws and regulations.

Listed below are some goods that are prohibited to be exported into Saudi Arabia:

Alcoholic drinks

Pig and pork products

Gemstones and jewellery

Antiques and artwork

Narcotics

All products that are exported to the Saudi Kingdom require the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) Certificate of Conformity (or COC certificate), in order to be cleared through the Saudi customs.
Additional regulatory documentation required for Saudi Arabia imports include:

The certificate of origin, translated in Arabic language

Saudi Arabia custom invoice (in triplicate form).

Authentic invoice from the exporter, detailing the country of origin, the carrier details, and a description of the goods.

Bill of Lading or airway bill number.

Insurance documents, translated in Arabic language.

Additionally, companies exporting consumer products into Saudi Arabia, must label the products in the Arabic language, and must take note of the product expiry date.

A number of logistic companies in Saudi Arabia can provide importers with logistics and procurement services, and are well-versed with the laws and regulations of the Saudi customs authorities. Foreign exporters, shipping goods into Saudi Arabia, can avail of the services of these logistic companies in Saudi Arabia, to ensure smooth delivery of their merchandise.